Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe shows off its heart and soul at fall gala

With 450 enthusiastic guests piling into The Ora, the venue was electrified, energized and decked out in retro décor on Nov. 15 for Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe's 26th annual fall gala.

The sensationally popular WBTT was thrilled to present "Hitsville USA," which celebrates the music of that portmanteau familiar to most everyone: Motown.

More than a record label, Motown is revered as a genre of music that blends R&B, gospel, soul, jazz and pop. Its distinguishable strong melodies and danceable arrangements make it popular, catchy and remembered by all generations since its founding in 1959.  

With music including hits by stars such as Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Tammie Terrell, Stevie Wonder and many more, the energy was popping in the ballroom.

Performers included some of the WBTT's most beloved performers including Brian L. Boyd, Jazzmin Carson, Chris Eisenberg, Delores McKenzie, Raleigh Mosely II, Leon S. Pitts II, Maicy Powell, Sheldon Rhoden and Stephanie Zander.

Etienne “EJ” Porter led a live band as the music director and drummer with Alan Robinson on the piano, Brandon McCrea on the axe and keyboardist Zacchur Porter.

WBTT honored Ms. Doris A. Johnson as its Heart & Soul Philanthropy honoree. An ardent supporter since attending her first summer show in 2012, Johnson is a subscriber as well as the organization's current board chair.

"Our fall gala has become one of the hottest tickets in town, and we are dedicated to making sure we keep the event vibrant, fun and meaningful each and every year," said WBTT Executive Director Juile Leach. "We are thrilled to recognize Doris's significant contributions to our success while supporting the emission and work of WBTT."

Carolyn Anderson and Nancy Flanagan co-chaired the event.